Birabi Welcomes Rivers Truce, Says Fubara Must Govern Freely
Prominent elder statesman and member of the Rivers Elders Forum, Senator Bennett Birabi, has applauded the reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing the development as “surprising but necessary.”
Birabi, who represented Rivers South-East in the Senate during the Third Republic, said the political rift had inflicted considerable damage on the state’s unity and development, and its resolution offers renewed hope for peace and progress.
“The Rivers people have had to pay the price for their disagreements,” Birabi said. “So I’m happy they did get together. It’s a necessary step that should bring some relief to the people.”
The long-running feud between Fubara and Wike his predecessor and once-political benefactor had thrown the state into months of political uncertainty, with parallel factions in the State House of Assembly, legal showdowns, and mounting public concern.
President Bola Tinubu intervened earlier in the year, urging reconciliation to ensure political stability in the oil-rich state.
Governor Fubara recently confirmed that the peace deal was initiated at the behest of the president.
“He said, ‘I want you and your oga to settle,’ and I accepted because I am loyal,” Fubara explained at a state function.
While acknowledging the importance of peace, Senator Birabi cautioned against any arrangement that may erode the constitutional powers of the governor.
“I just hope that this settlement allows Fubara to act independently as governor,” he said. “Peace is good, but not at the cost of undermining the people’s mandate or turning the office of governor into a figurehead role.”
He also emphasized that the true success of the peace process would depend on sincere cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of Rivers citizens.
As Rivers State begins to navigate its post-crisis phase, Birabi called on all political actors to act responsibly. “Let’s prioritise unity and good governance,” he urged.
“This is the moment to rebuild trust and advance state development. The people deserve a government that works for them, not for political egos.”
Observers now watch closely to see how the truce will translate into practical governance and whether it will usher in a new era of political harmony or merely mask deeper rifts.
